Technically Speaking | 4 APRIL 2025
Recycling
Tech Tips from Our Engineers at Bamberger Amco Polymers
How Does Plastic Recycling Work?
Recovering plastic from waste and turning it into new products is a process our industry has been refining for decades. In most cases, the collected material is melted down and reformed into pellets before getting added to virgin polymers at an OEM-defined level of acceptance or "let down ratio" — typically 5%.
In 1988, the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), now known as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), created the Resin Identification Code (RIC) system. Their goal was to provide a consistent national program that would help sorting line workers group post-consumer packaging types into seven basic recyclable classes, each with unique processing needs.
Those classes are:
#1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE)
Examples include clear water and drink bottles, food jars, and clamshell food containers. Curbside recycling is available for these plastics.
#2 - High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Examples include AG pipe, natural gas pipe, detergent, antifreeze, milk jugs, juice bottles, pails, and containers. Curbside recycling is widely available for these plastics.
#3 - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Examples include siding, flooring, hose, medical tubing, plumbing, window frames, and wire insulation. Curbside recycling is NOT available for these plastics.
#4 - Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Examples include clear water and drink bottles, food jars, plastic bags, squeeze bottles, and cosmetics. Curbside recycling programs may be limited for these plastics.
#5 - Polypropylene (PP)
Examples include auto, commercial, and industrial parts, caps, containers, tapes, yogurt cups, straws, and hinged containers. Curbside recycling acceptance is growing for these plastics.
#6 - Polystyrene (PS)
Examples include trays, disposable drink cups and plates, takeout containers, toys, and cutlery. Curbside recycling is rarely available for these plastics.
#7 - Other: Nylon, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, etc.
Examples include auto parts, riot face shields, impact windows, helmets, bioplastics, and safety glasses. While curbside recycling is NOT available for these products, many can be processed through traditional mechanical recycling or by using advanced molecular recycling technologies.
Design® for Recycling: New Guidelines that Supplement RIC Codes
While RIC codes help with sorting, they don't guarantee a product is recyclable in practice. A PET (#1) bottle might carry the right code but get rejected if it’s designed poorly — if it has shrink sleeves or adhesives that prevent proper melt filtration, for example.
That's why the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) created the Design® for Recycling Guidelines. These are voluntary, widely-adopted recommendations for packaging designers, brands, and manufacturers that evaluate the entire packaging system, including caps, labels, adhesives, inks, and additives. They assess how well the package performs in real-world recycling conditions.
According to APR, a recyclable package should be made of a compatible base resin, avoid barrier materials that complicate sorting, use labels that float and detach in caustic wash systems, and avoid pigments that would contaminate regrind.
Following the guidelines, a clear PET bottle with a floatable PP cap and a washable label would be considered “Preferred Design.” Meanwhile, the same PET bottle with a PVC shrink sleeve or metallic ink would be classified as “Detrimental” or even “Non-Recyclable."
RIC codes tell you what the material is, but APR tells you whether it’s truly recyclable using today’s infrastructure.
Design® for Recycling: New Guidelines that Supplement RIC Codes
While RIC codes help with sorting, they don't guarantee a product is recyclable in practice. A PET (#1) bottle might carry the right code but get rejected if it’s designed poorly — if it has shrink sleeves or adhesives that prevent proper melt filtration, for example.
That's why the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) created the Design® for Recycling Guidelines. These are voluntary, widely-adopted recommendations for packaging designers, brands, and manufacturers that evaluate the entire packaging system, including caps, labels, adhesives, inks, and additives. They assess how well the package performs in real-world recycling conditions.
According to APR, a recyclable package should be made of a compatible base resin, avoid barrier materials that complicate sorting, use labels that float and detach in caustic wash systems, and avoid pigments that would contaminate regrind.
Following the guidelines, a clear PET bottle with a floatable PP cap and a washable label would be considered “Preferred Design.” Meanwhile, the same PET bottle with a PVC shrink sleeve or metallic ink would be classified as “Detrimental” or even “Non-Recyclable."
RIC codes tell you what the material is, but APR tells you whether it’s truly recyclable using today’s infrastructure.
Common Recycling Definitions in Alphabetical Order
Technically Speaking: Tips & Material Insights
Technically Speaking is a content series empowering product designers, molders, and processors with practical knowledge and real-world insights. These tips are drawn from decades of experience in materials science and application development to help you solve problems faster and smarter. With a diverse portfolio and one of the most knowledgeable tech teams in the industry, we help our customers overcome challenges and bring better products to market.
If you’re unsure which material meets your product requirements, let our technical team guide you through material selection and regulatory compliance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended solely for general guidance. Outcomes vary based on individual circumstances, and Bamberger Amco Polymers “BAP", "BA Polymers” does not ensure a specific result. Clients shall use their own independent skills and expertise when testing any application of technical support. Bamberger Amco Polymers is not responsible and will not be liable for any discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes. Bamberger Amco Polymers DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS OF A PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
